Overview:
Palau’s rising weightlifting stars are proving that hard work and sacrifice pay off on the international stage. From first-time competitors to record-setting lifters, the team returned from the Oceania Weightlifting Championships in Samoa with four medals and renewed determination to represent Palau with pride.
The road to Samoa for the Universal Cup and Oceania Championships (Youth, Junior & Senior) wasn’t easy—but it was earned through sacrifice, discipline, and belief.
Blaine Patris began his journey competing in the 60kg category. Since the 2022 Mini Games in Saipan, he has committed himself fully to the sport, growing stronger through every competition leading up to the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. There, he secured his first medal, placing 3rd in the 60kg category. This year, stepping up into the 65kg class, Blaine pushed beyond his limits. Sent to Samoa for training camp, he delivered his best performance yet—totaling 242kg and claiming another hard-earned bronze medal at the Oceania Championships.
Mikaianny Micah Sumor, only 16 years old, represents the future of Palau Weightlifting. Starting his journey in 2024, his first competition came at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Since then, he has shown discipline beyond his years—balancing training, school, and sacrifice. In Samoa, Mikaianny proved his dedication on the platform, snatching 100 kg and clean & jerking 120kg – totaling 220kg, earning 2nd place in Youth and 2nd place in Junior, marking his arrival on the international stage.
Gyro Mahurmalei Ramirez, 17, has been relentless since he began training in 2023. After competing at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands at 60kg, he continued to build his strength and confidence. At 16 years old, he set the Oceania youth record with a clean & jerk of 126kg. Moving up to the 79kg category, Gyro embraced the challenge. In Samoa, he delivered an outstanding performance—snatching 115kg and clean & jerking 146kg for a total of 261kg, setting new personal and national records, and earning 3rd place in the Junior division.
Ngirur Mad started her journey in 2024 at the Micronesian Games in the Marshall Islands, where she won her first bronze medal. Since then, she has remained committed, training through 2025 and competing at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. This year, she elevated her focus even further, joining the training camp in Samoa alongside Blaine. As a junior athlete, Ngirur continues to show strong progress, determination, and the hunger to rise among the best in Oceania.
Combined, Palau’s weightlifters brought home 4 medals – 2 silver and 2 bronze – from the Oceania weightlifting Championships in Samoa. They are determined and more motivated to train and improve for the next competition. Under the guidance of Olympian Coach Stevick Patris, these athletes are on their way to greatness!
This is more than competition. This is sacrifice, growth, and pride.
These athletes carry the flag of Palau with strength, discipline, and heart.